Clinical Development Medical Director- Pain
Listed compensation
$240k-$360k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
General Summary
The Clinical Development Medical Director will serve as the Medical Lead for Vertex clinical trials, working with cross-functional multidisciplinary study teams on clinical trial strategy, design and execution and serving as the Medical Monitor responsible for monitoring the safety of enrolled subjects on assigned trials. The incumbent will work on multiple trials in all Phases of clinical development, and may also participate in other selected projects in clinical development.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leads the development of Study Protocols, Investigator Brochures, Clinical Development Plans and other key study documents in conjunction with other line functions and with minimal guidance
Functions as the Medical Monitor for assigned clinical studies
Serves on cross-functional Study Execution Teams (SET) for assigned trials, working with other team members to achieve efficient, high-quality study execution
Participates in the preparation of regulatory documents in support of regulatory submissions, including clinical sections of INDs and CTAs, safety reports and annual reports for assigned trials, responses to regulatory authorities and Ethics Committees/IRBs, and other documents as appropriate
Provides scientific and clinical input to study-related documents and analysis plans including Informed consent forms (ICF), clinical research forms (CRF), statistical analysis plans (SAP), clinical pharmacology analysis plans (CPAP), and clinical study reports (CSR). Acts as liaison between Translational Medicine/Clinical Development and other internal groups at Vertex (e. g., Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Operations) for assigned studies
- Represents Vertex to outside medical personal in the development of clinical protocols and study conduct
- Performs other duties as assigned related to clinical programs
Knowledge and Skills
Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-based, matrix environment and to function independently as appropriate
- Effective at building alliances across functions, based on end-to-end drug development thinking and experience
- Board certification/eligibility in a medical, pediatric or surgical subspecialty
Education and Experience
- MD, DO or equivalent ex-US medical degree
- Board certification/eligibility in a specialty field is highly desired
Typically requires 10 years of basic or clinical research experience in an academic or industry setting, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
Typically requires experience in analysis of research data and publications; working knowledge of biostatistics; working knowledge of GCP, scientific and clinical research methods and clinical study design
Typically requires experience with design, execution, and analysis of clinical trials required
At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.
Pay Range
$240,000 - $360,000
Disclosure Statement
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.
Flex Designation
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible
Flex Eligibility Status
- In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
- 1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
Company Information
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.
Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.
Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com
Key Responsibilities
The Medical Director serves as the lead for clinical trials, overseeing strategy, design, and execution while acting as the Medical Monitor for subject safety. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare regulatory documents and ensure high-quality study conduct.
Requirements
Candidates must hold an MD, DO, or equivalent medical degree with board certification or eligibility in a specialty field. A minimum of 10 years of clinical research experience in an academic or industry setting is required.
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 10+ years of experience
Key Skills
Medical Affairs — Physician Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Massachusetts is 105.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$300k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $284k in an average-cost state. 63.2% of Massachusetts clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Vertex holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 79/100, 13 active listings.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 4.2 / 10 · above average in medical affairs | ranked against 279 Medical Affairs listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | $240k–$360k | Medical Affairs median $302k (middle half $281k–$325k)20 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$284k in purchasing power | Massachusetts index 105.8 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Medical Affairs listings in Massachusetts | 93 active | 281 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | loan repayment | Massachusetts Physician listings: 18% state a sign-on bonus (median $75k) · 13% offer loan repayment618 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| Medical Affairs hiring demand | #6 of 28 specialties | postings stay open a median 69 days · 44% state a sign-on bonusWeekdayDoc Hiring Index, October 2026 · 162 postings, 36 closed |
| New Medical Affairs listings | 113 in the last 30 days | 90 the 30 days before (+26%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Medical Affairs pay trend | +8.0% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
| Vertex | silver tier, 79/100 | Top Employers work-life index13 active listings |
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